Fire Asp

The fire asp is not only the deadliest snake in the kingdom, but its effects on the victim are horrific. The poison is quick, and death is certain once it reaches the brain. Its lenght is a little longer than a man's foot, and its breadth is no bigger around than a finger. It is brown in color, making it difficult to see until it strikes, when the skin of the asp changes to a fiery red. It is agressive and bites only once. It then dies with its victim. The initial sensation around the bite is a torturous burning and swelling that spreads with the poison until searing pain permeates the entire body. As the poison enters the brain, the overwhelming pain drives the victim into madness Death follows within moments of the initial bite.

In Kingdom's Edge, Derek was bit by a fire asp and Cedric, William, and Rob saved him.